Sunday, 10 February 2013

Toasted yam and apple crumble my way

My great
surprise last week happened on Friday, when I received a message
from Mr. Fernando Pinto to inform me that he had burdock roots for
sale, and that he was going to be at the Principe Real Bio market
on Saturday. As you can imagine, I was thrilled. It has been years
since I last ate burdock and I really like this exotic and very rich
root.

Last weekend
took place at a fast rythm: first a visit to the organic market,
after that a quick entry in Miosotis supermarket ( a bio
supermarket here in Lisbon) and finally the most delirious moment of
the day, which happens whenever I visit my favorite grocery store,
the Popat Store in Martim Moniz square, where the intense smells and
characteristic of the products exhibited acquire a unique magic.

Meanwhile , the
roots are already stored waiting for a recipe worth of their super
root status. And the fresh vegetables that I bought at the market,
made our delights in the salads we ate during the weekend.. Arugula,
mizuna, radishes and many more ...

From the
kitchen, with love, my suggestion for Valentin's day is a yam recipe
cooked with the yams that I bought at the Indian grocery store
Popat. This recipe, which is for sure as good as a class dinner in a
special restaurant, has the advantage of being cooked at home and by
that you will avoid the usual waiting queues typical of these special
days, which if you are not in a good company, will let you out of
motivation...

So, for
Valentine's day I made up a delicious menu that I am publishing in
advance so that you can have time to buy the ingredients.

Here is the
suggestion: a yam main course that I learned from my dear friend
Lais, years ago, and that I appreciate to eat in special occasions.

The yam rhizome
is a very flavorful stew that can be used in soups, purees, desserts,
among other possibilities. It is rich in protein, phosphorus and
potassium and is considered a healthy substitute for potatos.

When buying yams
note that the texture should be uniformly rough and covered with
hair. It should be firm, with no soft areas.

Serve the yam
balls with brown rice and a delicious radishe vinaigrette.

Finally, a tasty
dessert - my version of a tasty apple crumble.

Here is the
purpose: to wait in line or to have dinner in the retreat of your
home?